Myanmar’s enemy within

Francis Wade presents an astute interpretation of the tragic upheaval and genocide of the Rohingya in Myanmar. He explores through a critical lens the historical and cultural narratives that have shaped, sharpened and ultimately turned the blades of the majority Buddhist population against its minority Muslim Rohingya community. Wade must be commended for his attempt to provide an objective account that seeks to disinter the causes of the crisis as a form of realpolitik, which is cloaked in the garbs of Islamic extremism or terrorism due to global and regional purposes. He notes that historically, before the British arrived at Rakhine, kings had utilised the services of Muslims within their armies and administrative courts. Even within the current climate, Wade cites the example of a Rohingya Army captain who, despite concealing his true identity, managed to attain a highranking position and then a lucrative private business thereafter. Wade notes that this highlights the true nature of aligning with and benefitting from those in power, rather than a sincere attachment to a cultural identity or faith, therefore symbolising the underlining reason for the entire crisis.